October 14 is International Squalane Day!
In honor of the holiday, we decided to take a deeper dive as to why this illustrious ingredient should be a regular part of your skincare routine.
If you look in your medicine cabinet, chances are that you will find “squalane” in some of the skincare or cosmetic products that you are already using daily. See, you’re already a fan, and you didn’t even know it!
The Difference Between Squalane and Squalene in Skin Care
Some questions you might have: what is squalane? Is it “squalane” with an “a” or “squalene” with an “e”? Squalene (with an “e”) is a lipid that is made naturally by our oil glands to hydrate and protect the skin barrier. Unfortunately, after the age of 30, our body starts producing less squalene which is why we need to supplement it by using “squalane” (either by itself or as an ingredient in our skincare products). Squalene, naturally, is not shelf-stable – so “squalane” (with an “a”) is simply the naturally hydrogenated/shelf-stable version of squalene.
Is Squalane Good for the Skin?
Squalane oil is non-comedogenic (meaning it won’t make you break out) and beneficial for all skin types, but most especially those with dry, dehydrated, mature, or compromised skin. It’s also antioxidant-rich and prized for its ability to fight free radicals and prevent skin damage.
Apply a few drops after a shower or emerging from the water, as it naturally seals in moisture and boosts collagen production for healthier, younger-looking skin. Smooth over hair and onto the ends to add shine and reduce breakage. We consider this ingredient the ultimate moisturizer for hair and skin!
There Might be Shark in Your Skin Care!
Squalane is also an ethically controversial ingredient. The richest source of squalene is shark liver. Yep, shark liver. It is estimated that 3 million sharks are killed annually to provide squalene for sunscreen, foundation, tanning lotions, lipstick, moisturizers, and other cosmetic products. Yikes, you might want to go back to your medicine cabinet and check that label again! If it doesn’t say plant-derived, you need to assume it came from a shark.
“The only one that needs a shark liver is a shark!” – Autumn
Our Squalane is PLANT-DERIVED
Over here at Stream2Sea, we are not quiet about our mission to protect all the aquatic things we love, including sharks. Our Super Hydration Squalane is 100% sustainably sourced & plant-derived. Furthermore, we are proud to be first the company to earn the “Shark Free” certification from Shark Allies. Shark Allies (www.sharkallies.org) is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization, dedicated to raising awareness and guiding initiatives globally to reduce the destructive overfishing of sharks.
Because of its amazing emollient and antioxidant benefits, Squalane can be found in our
- Super Hydration Squalane (with Vitamin E)
- Nourishing Body Lotion
- Prebiotic Hand Creams
- Every Day Mineral Sunscreens
Pro-tip: Apply our fragrance-free Super Hydration Squalane to freshly cleansed skin to improve the penetration, spreadability, and performance of your favorite moisturizer, lotion, or Stream2Sea sunscreen.
“Squalane is my desert island product – meaning if I could only bring one thing with me, it would be squalane. It’s always in my dive and travel bag.”
Stream2Sea has set a new standard for EcoConscious sunscreen and skincare. Along with the required human safety and SPF tests, Stream2Sea products are proven to be readily biodegradable in both salt and fresh water and have passed a comprehensive series of aquatic toxicity tests. Formulated with powerful antioxidant blends to protect skin from sun damage, the Stream2Sea line includes safe sunscreens, conditioning shampoo and body wash, leave-in conditioner, nourishing body lotion and lip balms. Stream2Sea products are currently available online at www.Stream2Sea.com or ask for them at your favorite health food store, dive center or outdoor retailer. Friend us on Facebook or call (866) 960-9513.